What is a TikTok Creator Code?
A TikTok Creator Code allows popular creators to monetize their content on the platform. With a TikTok Creator Code, creators gain access to the TikTok Creator Fund, which enables them to earn money when people view their videos.
Having a TikTok Creator Code also unlocks additional monetization options and tools for creators. For example, creators can add donation links, merchandise shelves, and other features to their profile once they obtain a code. Creators with codes also gain access to analytics, workshops, and other resources to help them maximize their earnings and grow their audience.
Overall, a TikTok Creator Code serves as verification that a creator has reached a substantial following and engagement level on TikTok. It allows them to start monetizing their content directly through TikTok’s systems and creator tools.
TikTok Creator Fund Eligibility
To be eligible for the TikTok Creator Fund, creators must meet certain requirements:
The TikTok Creator Fund is currently only available in certain regions and countries. As of March 2021, it was available in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Russia [1].
Creators must have at least 10,000 authentic followers to join the TikTok Creator Fund [2]. This ensures creators have an established audience before monetizing content.
To remain in the fund, creators must continue to meet TikTok’s community guidelines for appropriate content. Offensive, misleading, or inappropriate content can lead to removal from the fund.
Creators need at least 4,000 authentic video views in the last 30 days to receive payouts. This incentivizes posting regularly and maintaining audience engagement [1].
Non-Monetized Creator Code Benefits
A TikTok creator code provides access to certain features and tools, even without being part of the formal TikTok Creator Fund for monetization. Some of the key benefits of a non-monetized TikTok creator code include:
Access to TikTok creator tools and analytics – With a creator code, you gain access to TikTok’s Creator Portal which provides valuable analytics about your audience and content performance. This includes data on views, likes, comments, shares, traffic sources, top videos, audience demographics, and more (TikTok, 2022).
Ability to use certain features like donate buttons – Non-monetized creators with a code can utilize features like adding donate or tip buttons to their profile. This allows loyal fans and supporters to send tips or donations outside of TikTok’s formal monetization programs.
Overall, a TikTok creator code unlocks useful analytics, insights, and features for creators to better understand and engage their audience. While it doesn’t provide direct monetization, it lays the foundation for creators to strategize content and grow their brand on TikTok.
How Many Followers for a TikTok Creator Code?
There is no set number of followers required to get a TikTok Creator Code, but typically creators need at least 100,000 followers to qualify. However, having a certain number of followers is not the only requirement. TikTok also considers the quality of a creator’s content and their overall watch hours when reviewing applications for a Creator Code.
Simply having 100,000+ followers does not guarantee that a creator will be approved for the Creator Fund and receive a Creator Code. TikTok wants to see that a creator’s audience is actively engaging with their content before monetizing their account. Creators need to have a loyal, growing follower base that enjoys their videos.
In addition to followers, watch time and retention are important factors. According to TikTok, creators must have at least 100,000 video views in the last 30 days to be eligible for the Creator Fund. This demonstrates that viewers are repeatedly coming back to engage with their content.
While follower count is part of the criteria, TikTok takes a holistic approach in evaluating channels. Focusing on producing quality creative content and fostering engagement is key for creators who want to reach the threshold for receiving a TikTok Creator Code.
Tips to Get a TikTok Creator Code
Here are some tips to help you get a TikTok Creator Code:
Create high-quality, engaging content. Focus on making creative, entertaining videos that will capture attention and be widely shared. Use effects, edits, and captions to enhance your content. According to TikTok, accounts with high-quality content are more likely to qualify for a Creator Code.
Post consistently and build a loyal audience. Aim to post at least a few times a week to keep your followers engaged. Use relevant hashtags, engage with your audience in comments, and post videos that play into themes and memes your niche would enjoy. Building a dedicated fanbase on TikTok takes time and effort.
Use relevant hashtags and trends. Research trending sounds, effects, memes, and hashtags you can tap into with your content. This makes it more discoverable in the app. You can check the Discover page to see trending topics.
Engage with your followers. Respond to comments, answer questions, and show appreciation to build relationships with your audience. This helps convert casual viewers into engaged fans.
Follow TikTok’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. Don’t use misleading or inappropriate content. TikTok wants creators who make a positive impact and foster a safe community.
Building an Audience on TikTok
One of the most important things to do when trying to build an audience on TikTok is to make entertaining and useful videos. Use TikTok’s creative tools like effects, text captions, and sounds to make your content stand out. According to Buffer, “effects, sounds and text all work together to tell a quick story and keep viewers engaged.”
Collaborating with other popular creators can also help expose your content to new audiences. As Hootsuite suggests, “Consider creating a content series or challenge together or cross-promoting each other’s merchandise or upcoming events. Cross-promotion is a great way to tap into each other’s audiences.”
Additionally, cross-promoting your TikTok content on other social media platforms like Instagram or YouTube can help drive more followers back to your TikTok account. Let your existing audiences on other platforms know that you now have a TikTok as well.
Monetizing on TikTok Without a Code
It is possible to earn money on TikTok even without having a Creator Code through the Creator Fund program. Some popular strategies include:
Affiliate marketing – You can make money by promoting other companies’ products and services and receiving a commission on any sales made. This involves adding affiliate links to your profile and videos. Platforms like Awin and ShareASale connect influencers with affiliate programs.
Selling merchandise – Creating and selling custom T-shirts, hats, phone cases and other merchandise with your brand and designs on them. You can sell these directly through your TikTok profile and videos.
Promoting services/products – You can do direct ads, reviews and unboxing videos for brands and products you genuinely like. The key is ensuring sponsored content is disclosed properly.
Using sponsorships and brand deals – Similar to promotions, you can collaborate with brands in different ways through sponsorships. This may involve pre-roll ads, product placements, shoppable pins, and other creative campaigns.
Going live and receiving gifts – TikTok allows you to go live and earn rewards through virtual gifts from viewers. The value can then be withdrawn.
Maximizing Earnings with a Creator Code
Once you unlock monetization on TikTok by getting a Creator Code, there are several strategies you can use to maximize your earnings:
Post Consistently. The TikTok Creator Fund rewards creators based on the engagement and views on their videos. So the more frequently you post quality content, the more views and engagement you’ll get, resulting in higher earnings. Aim to post at least 1 video per day.
Expand Content to Other Formats Like YouTube. Repurpose your best performing TikTok videos into YouTube videos and monetize them through the YouTube Partner Program. This allows you to earn ad revenue from YouTube in addition to TikTok. According to Sprout Social, this crossover strategy is commonly used by top creators.
Diversify Monetization Strategies. Don’t rely solely on TikTok’s Creator Fund. Use other money-making tactics like affiliate marketing, selling merch, sponsorships, etc. This provides multiple income streams so you’re not dependent on just the Creator Fund.
Provide Value to Brands as a Partner. Brand sponsorships and partnerships are very lucrative on TikTok. Position yourself as a valuable partner to brands by creatively integrating their products into high-quality videos that entertain and engage your audience.
Other Social Media Creator/Partner Programs
TikTok isn’t the only social media platform with a creator or partner program that allows influencers to monetize their content. Here are some of the top programs on other platforms:
YouTube Partner Program
The YouTube Partner Program allows creators to earn money from ads displayed on their videos. To join, you need at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months. YouTube shares a percentage of ad revenue with partners. There are also other monetization options like channel memberships, SuperChat, and merchandise.
Instagram Creator Account
Instagram Creator Accounts give influencers access to insights about their followers and content performance. They can also create shoppable posts and get paid partnerships with brands. To be eligible, accounts need at least 10,000 followers and be public.
Facebook Creator Studio
The Facebook Creator Studio provides analytics and monetization options for influencers. Creators can earn money through advertising, subscriptions, stars, and more. There are no firm eligibility requirements, but having an engaged following on Facebook certainly helps.
So while TikTok’s Creator Fund is unique, established platforms also offer ways for influencers to make money from their audiences. The key is building a loyal following and quality content that brands want to partner with across any social media platform.
The Future of the TikTok Creator Economy
TikTok is investing heavily in creators as the platform continues to grow. According to The Drum, TikTok and Logitech predict the creator economy will reach $500 billion by 2027 as brands optimize their creator marketing strategies (source).
New ways for creators to make money on TikTok are on the horizon. TikTok recently sunsetted its $1 billion creator fund, marking a shift in the creator economy according to Insider Intelligence (source). The platform will likely introduce new monetization features as it evolves its offerings.
Competition with other platforms like Instagram and YouTube is expected to escalate. Each platform wants to attract and retain top creators. As Social Native predicts, creators may need to diversify across platforms in 2024 to maximize reach and revenue (source). The creator economy landscape will continue to shift rapidly in the coming years.